Panasonic Expands on Award-Winning Devices with 2013 Blu-ray Disc™ Player Lineup, Focusing on High-Quality Picture, Sound, Design and Smart Networking

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic, a major developer and contributor to the success of the Blu-ray format, today introduced an expanded Blu-ray Disc Player lineup with two new Full HD 3D models – the DMP-BDT330, DMP-BDT230, and two 2D Blu-ray Disc Players – the DMP-BD89 and  DMP-BD79.   

Additionally, Panasonic maintains the successes of FULL HD 3D 2012 models – the DMP-BDT500 and DMP-BBT01.  All four of the 3D-capable models include Panasonic's proprietary IPTV platform, VIERA Connect¹, while the 2D models feature IP VOD, a service that offers a limited, though targeted, selection of such sites as Netflix, HuluPlus, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, CinemaNow and YouTube.

"Panasonic is committed to the best in-home entertainment and this year's Blu-ray Players are at the forefront of design, performance and green technology," said Alex Fried, Product Manager, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. "With new features including expanded VIERA Connect applications, seamless web browsing and display mirroring allowing interaction with a tablet or smartphone, Panasonic continues to create products with the needs of today's consumer top-of-mind."

A new feature, Display Mirroring, takes into account the increased smartphone and tablet use while viewing programming on your TV.  Now simply with a flick of the hand, users can take content on their smartphone or tablet (Android 4.2) operating system or higher) and view the same images, videos or games on a large screen to share with family and friends.  Display Mirroring is available on the BDT330 as well as the BDT230.

Panasonic's reputation for creating quality video products is on high display with the entire line of 2013 home entertainment products, specifically the BDT230, the direct successor to the 2012 CEA Innovation award-winning and critically acclaimed BDT220. The BDT220 features built-in Wi-Fi, 2D-3D conversion, a web browser with pointer cursor, and Panasonic's proprietary IPTV platform, VIERA Connect.

All 2013 Blu-ray Disc Players include built-in Wi-Fi with the exception of the BD79 which is wireless-ready, enabling users to access additional content and services through the internet without the need to tether your device.

Panasonic's line of Blu-ray Players also features high-quality network audio (DLNA compatible) as well as 192kHz/32bit Audio DAC on the 3D-capable models (BDT500) and built-in 4K up-scaling (BDT330).  Additionally the BDT500, BBT01, BDT330 and BDT230 feature 2D-3D conversion for any content and the BDT500 and BDT330 models also include twin HDMI ports.

In addition to Panasonic's recognized commitment to the highest audio and video standards, the 2013 devices all were created with a focus on design.  Matching some of the design innovations seen with VIERA televisions, these new slim and sleek players match the decor in any home.  Featuring sharp angles to take up less surface area, the compact main unit includes cardboard cushions to prevent any damage to furniture.

As with all of Panasonic's products, environmental stewardship and specific energy- reducing technologies are brought into the 2013 line of Blu-ray Players to give the consumer the best at-home viewing experience without sacrificing performance.

The two new 3D-capable Blu-ray models include Miracast – a display mirroring feature which enables users to transfer their own photos and videos captured on Smartphone and Tablet devices to their HDTV screen with the swipe of a finger.  The 3D-capable Blu-ray models also feature a Web Browser with pointer cursor for easy maneuvering, while all models in the 2013 lineup also feature external HDD Playback and personalized menu options on the Blu-ray lineup.

The Panasonic 2013 Blu-ray Players will be available in February 2013.  They will be on display at the Panasonic booth #9406 at the 2013 International CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 8, 2013 through January 11, 2013.

About Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America, a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American Subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations, offers a wide-range of consumer solutions in the U.S. and Canada. The Company's portfolio of innovative consumer products ranges from VIERA Full HD 3D Televisions, Blu-ray players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness and Personal Care products and more.

Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. In the 2012 Interbrand Annual Best Global Green Brands ranking, the Panasonic brand jumped four spots to number six: http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/Best-Global-Green-Brands/2012-Report.aspx. Follow Panasonic on Twitter @panasonicusa, and additional company information for media is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

¹ Requires an Ethernet connection

SOURCE Panasonic